You aren’t the only one concerned about rising utility costs. Your local governments feel the heat, as well. Check the discussion. Peoria City Council On April 26 City Manager Patrick Urich provided information on predicted Ameren energy rate increases related…
The Watch
The Watch | Politicians can run, but they can’t hide from the League of Women Voters
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Summer kicks off with classic good news/bad news. The good news is the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria was able to add coverage to include Peoria Public Schools District 150. With professional reporters ever-scarcer, volunteers who attend government…
The Watch | Three cheers to the county for streamlining collection of our real estate taxes
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
When public officials collaborate to make government more effective, flag it. Hence, three cheers for a new method of collecting real estate taxes prompted by the Peoria County Treasurer and Peoria Township Collector. Stephen Morris, Township Collector, recommended all in-person…
The Watch | Watch for more: Park District kicking back into action; Springdale reevaluating
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Fans of democracy, rejoice! League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria has expanded its coverage of local government in the wake of journalistic cutbacks. First: thanks to the dedicated Observers. Second: there is such a wealth of information we can…
The Watch | City Council eyes Trewyn Park update; short-term rental option
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On Jan. 11, Peoria City Council members set dates to discuss redistricting of the city based on the 2020 census results. The goal is for districts to be nearly equal in population, compact, contiguous, and respectful of geographic boundaries and…
The Watch | Charter Oak tabled; Sheriff Asbell will not stand for election in ’22
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Peoria City Council discussed disconnection of property — which was annexed to the city in 1993 with the Charter Oak development — at its Dec. 14 meeting. Michael Fleming, attorney for property owners, requested undeveloped parcels without access to roads…
The Watch | Peoria City Council review finds $4 million, County board mulling new election systems
by Terry Bibo • • 1 Comment
Peoria City Council wrestled with its 2022-2023 biennial budget — and each other — during special meetings this fall. On Oct. 26: Peoria Township officials asked for a tax increase, but didn’t get it. City Manager Patrick Urich said recovery…
The Watch | Drawing new lines
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On Sept. 28, Community Development Director Joe Dulin told the Peoria City Council about the impact of 2020 census data on council districts. Peoria now has 113,150 residents, down 1.6% from 2010. To proportion districts equally means District 1 would…
The Watch | Onward
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Peoria City Council met Sept. 14 with all members present. A $100,000 grant was approved to Peoria Opportunities Foundation to cover sewer expense overage, with additional funding from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The grant was approved, with Councilor John…
The Watch | Once more into the breach
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On Aug. 10, Peoria City Council discussed old tires, which are costly to the city when dumped. The initial resolution required businesses that dispose of tires to register, pay a $50 fee and keep records. Fines were to defray costs.…